Second Onerahi side prove too experienced for Waipu

Final rankings of the preliminary round were realised for Whangarei Netball Centre's premier grade, determining the teams up for promotion/relegation.
The bottom two premier grade teams will play against the top two premier reserve teams this Friday.
In last Friday's game, cellar dwellers Semco Group Onerahi 2 had a good 60-30 win over the younger Pizza Barn BBC Waipu team. Onerahi 2 played well with some great straight line plays. Goal keep Andrea Cameron had a strong game marking the shot well and getting rebounds. Wendy McCall, coming on in the second half at wing attack, also had a good attacking and feeding game. The coach for BBC Waipu acknowledged the team missed their captain Kelsey Power who was out with injury.
However, the girls rallied to take on the hardened Onerahi 2 side. Chelsea Mitchell showed her versatility by playing both ends of the court and Marama Morunga and Siobhan Hayward combined well mid court to work the ball through to the circle. Onerahi 2 are ranked seventh at the end of the preliminary round, while BBC Waipu are ranked eighth.
Manawanui played with determination to have a deserved 64-44 win over Old Boys 1.
In the first half Addy Campbell at wing attack provided some skilled and nicely placed feeds into the circle to the experienced shooter of Judy Campbell. Melanie Leef had another strong game on defence. With the introduction of Revena Otene to goal keep later in the game, the pair combined well to secure some good ball. The Old Boys coach felt the team squandered opportunities by making basic errors, never really hitting their stride. Eden Cherrington on defence made multiple intercepts.
However, these were not able to be converted. Ringi Hohepa's introduction into shooter in the second quarter resulted in the team only losing that quarter by a goal. Manawanui's win left them fourth at the end of the preliminary round. Old Boys are sixth.
Semenoff Transport Fideliter 1 won 60-47 over Takahiwai 1 despite a number of injuries and positional changes. Fideliter 1 saw a new defensive lineup of Helen Francis, Tina Cachemaille-Baine and Jess McClintock-Maihi, who found their rhythm and restricted the ball into the Takahiwai shooters. Jo Cooper in mid court played a skilful game and gained valuable turnover ball. Trina Henare, at goal attack, was outstanding in her positional play. Takahiwai 1's Hannah Edge in defence had another good defensive showing and was well supported mid court by Francida Doak. Takahiwai's player of the night though was Ramari Pirihi. This win sees Fideliter 1 ranked second at the end of the preliminary round, while Takahiwai 1 are fifth. The final game of the night saw an unbeaten Semco Group Onerahi 1 announced as the winners of the premier grade for the preliminary round with a 58-50 win over Whangarei Girls' High School 1. Onerahi 1 put in a comprehensive full team effort. However, WGHS did give them an initial shake up with the youngsters winning the first quarter by five goals. WGHS also put in a great team effort, especially with twokey players out due to basketball commitments. Jade Telfer had a good come back from injury in goal keep, adding good height. Jacinta Matson with her speed and versatility performed well in mid court and Shawni Paniona at goal attack provided accurate and consistent shooting.
However, after the first quarter the rest of the game went Onerahi's way. The loss left WGHS ranked third. Promotion relegation games will be played this Friday at Kensington Gym and Whangarei Girls High School Gym.
Final Rankings, Premier Grade: Onerahi 1, Fideliter 1, WGHS 1, Manawanui, Takahiwai 1, Old Boys 1, Onerahi 2, BBC Waipu.
Premier Reserve: Whangaruru 1, Wahine Toa 1, Fideliter 2, Marist Social, Wahine Toa Combined, Fideliter 3.